Distinguishing Things That Differ

Mervyn Hall traces the meaning of the words ‘priest’ and ‘bishop’ and shows that the ‘religious view’ is far from the biblical truth. He underlines that priesthood in the New Testament is not linked to genealogy, gender or gift, but is something bestowed on all Christians; while the role of a bishop is undertaken by those who are spiritually mature and shepherd minded. (Recorded 7th July 2013)

Mervyn Hall distinguishes between the “day of the Lord” and the “day of Christ”. In doing so he outlines 4 major “days” of scripture: the day of man (now), the day of the Lord, the day of Christ, and the day of God (the eternal state). He outlines the subjects, the sphere, the scope and the sequence of these days. (Recorded 30th June 2013)

Mervyn Hall expounds on the distinction between between the judgment seat of Christ for believers, which takes place in heaven after the rapture of the church, and the great white throne for the wicked dead, which takes place after the Millennium, at the time of the world’s end. He also deals with the “judgment of the living nations” at the end of the tribulation. (Recorded 16th June 2013)

Mervyn Hall preaches on the distinction between personal tribulation and “prophetic tribulation”. That is, the trials of Christians here and now, compared with “the great tribulation” that occurs during Daniel’s 70th week, after the rapture of the church. He helpfully distinguishes between the first and second halves of the tribulation too. (Recorded 2nd June 2013)

Mervyn Hall preaches on the different roles of men and women in a local New Testament assembly. He discusses the distinctions in role, remit and responsibility that are outlined in passages such as 1 Corinthians Ch 14 and 1 Timothy Ch 2. The topics of subjection vs authority and silence vs speaking are examined in the light of scripture. (Recorded on 12th May 2013)

Mervyn Hall preaches on the difference between “backsliding” and “apostasy”. Though strictly an Old Testament term, backsliding is a self-centred condition of heart that can be experienced by genuine believers. Apostasy however, is a deliberate, wilful turning away from the understood truth of Christ and His gospel, and is a sin only ever committed by unbelievers – people who were never truly saved (e.g. Heb 6:4-6, 2 Pet 2:22). (Recorded on 10th Mar 2013)

Mervyn Hall preaches on the distinctions between the three categories of persons in 1 Cor 2-3: “the natural man”, “the carnal man” and “the spiritual man”. He explains that, in the context, “the carnal man” refers not to a set category of “backslidden Christians” who show no evidence of salvation, but to believers in fellowship in the assembly at Corinth who were thinking and acting according to human wisdom. (Recorded on 17th Feb 2013)

Mervyn Hall preaches on the distinction between the Christian’s “state” and his “standing”. That is to say, “What I am in Christ positionally” on the one hand, and “Where I am in my daily experience and walk with the Lord” on the other. (Recorded 10th Feb 2013)

Mervyn Hall preaches on the distinction between the Biblical concepts of the Christian as a “child of God” and a “son of God”. He distinguishes between being born into the family of God as a child by regeneration, and being placed in the family of God as a son by adoption. (Recorded on Jan 20th 2013)

Mervyn Hall preaches on the difference between propitiation – the basis of salvation – and justification, redemption and reconciliation, the blessings of salvation. He explains that through the death of Christ, God has been propitiated and as a result sinners can be justified, redeemed and reconciled. (Recorded on 9th Dec 2012)

Mervyn Hall outlines the difference between grace and works. He explains that grace and works are mutually exclusive with regards to personal salvation. This is a vital topic that is widely misunderstood in the world and within Christendom. (Recorded 25th Nov 2012)